WILDLIFE REHABILITATION & EMERGENCY BABY BIRD CARESource:
http://www.sialis.org/Quick Tips: If you find an orphaned or injured bird, do not try to care for it yourself- it is illegal and you will probably end up killing it, despite your good intentions. Instead, immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator - find the closest one near you that handles songbirds:Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Center - to find a wildlife rehabber. In the meantime, put it in a shoebox covered lightly with a towel, and keep it warm, and do NOT give it any liquids. A prematurely fledged bird can be put in an artificial nest/birdcage near where the nest was to allow the parents to care for it until it is ready for release.
Wildlife RehabilitatorsIf you find an ill or injured bird (or other critter), it is crucial to the animal's survival that it be given to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. It is not legal to keep and care for the animal unless you are a licensed rehabilitator. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to posses a wild native bird (or their nests, eggs or young) without a permit.
To find a rehabber nearest you, see link below. Most states have a Department of Natural Resources/Wildlife website which lists licensed Rehabilitators or phone numbers. Local Audubon chapters, some bird clubs, Wild Bird Centers, Humane Societies, and local animal control officers may have names. Or you can call your local nature center, or a bird specialty store. For ORPHANED BLUEBIRD NESTLINGS only, contact a bluebird society near you to see if they can foster a baby in an existing nest - see list.
Websites to Locate:The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Center - find a wildlife rehabber
To capture a sick or injured songbird, use a barrier, or try to lure it onto a porch or into a garage with food scattered on the ground, and then throw a T-shirt or pillowcase over it and gently but firmly pick it up through the cloth. (If you use a towel, broken feathers or toenails could get caught in the loops.)
For transportation, put the bird in a small bowl or ventilated shoe box lined with tissue, a paper towel, or a coffee filter, covered with a towel, and keep it warm, away from people and pets. Keep the radio and A/C off, and do not smoke in the vehicle while transporting the bird.
If you have nestboxes in your yard or are a bluebird trail monitor, being prepared for an emergency is important. Some rehabbers have had to close down due to lack of funding, so checking things out before the panic is crucial. Find your closest rehabber now who handles songbirds - before the emergency occurs. See story of Mr. Troyer. If you cannot locate a rehabber who will take the bird, it may be best to just let nature take its course. Not every bird can be saved. See more information about preventing future problems.
By the way, rehabbers that work with songbirds are not funded by the government. Almost all work independently (i.e., are not associated with a large nature center or organization) and must use their own money, time and resources to feed, house and treat the creatures they try to rescue. Some animals cannot be released into the wild, and require long term care. So if you do bring a animal to a rehabber, please consider donating something to them, to help them continue to operate. Money is great. They can also probably use in-kind donations like food - just ask them what they could use and drop it off. It's a great way to make a difference.
More Information:Animal Help Now - Emergency Resource
https://ahnow.org/#/The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Center - find a wildlife rehabber
https://petkeen.com/how-to-locate-a-wildlife-rehabilitator/wildliferehabber.org - locate a rehabber (may not be as up to date as the one above)
NWRA (National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association) - see "need help" on top right
https://www.nwrawildlife.org/default.aspxClinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife
http://crowclinic.org/International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
http://www.sialis.org/mbta.htm]https://theiwrc.org/[url]
Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Sialis.org [url] http://www.sialis.org/mbta.htm]
Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Sialis.org [url] http://www.sialis.org/mbta.htm]https://theiwrc.org/[url]
Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Sialis.org [url] http://www.sialis.org/mbta.htmLocal, State and National Bluebird Societies
http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/affiliates/